Ex- minister lauds FG’s waiver of import duties on aircraft

A former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Felix Hyat, has lauded President Goodluck Jonathan over the waiver of import duty on commercial aircraft and spare parts.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria in Jos on Monday that the waiver would enhance safety and reduce the high operating cost incurred by Nigerian airlines.

Jonathan had announced the waiver while presenting the 2013 budget proposal to the National Assembly last Wednesday in Abuja.

The former minister praised the president for mustering the political will to incorporate the tariff waiver in the 2013 budget proposal.

He said this had given vent to the long-sought relief for domestic airlines which have been reeling under the weight of heavy operating costs.

“The waiver is a welcome development. The decision taken by the federal government is a very welcome development, which will go a long way in improving the state of maintenance and ensuring safety,’’ Hyat said.

On his assessment of the aviation industry presently, Hyat said there was an improvement in the structures while there had not been a commensurate improvement in service provision.

“There is an improvement in the structure and facilities, but sadly too there is a decline in the availability of air transport to the public,’’ he said.

The former minister said there was a sharp difference between the number of people who want to travel and the availability of aircraft.

“The number of people who wish to travel by air has greatly increased, but the availability of the aircraft or functional or performing airlines is lacking, and this is a very serious problem.

“Nowadays, we see passengers spending days, not just hours, at the airports waiting for their flights and at the end of the day the flights are cancelled and they are stranded.

“It is a chaotic situation that begs for urgent solution and I think the recent pronouncement of waiver on duties of aircraft’ spare parts will help matters,’’ he said.